How to Train Your Dog to Leave It

'Leave it' is a basic and necessary obedience command. This is one you will use while on walks to keep your dog from being distracted. You can also use ‘leave it’ at home when your dog is counter surfing or has decided your shoes are his best chew toy. This command could save your dog’s life. Use ‘leave it’ to teach your dog not to go near something dangerous, bother something like a wild animal who could cause harm, or eat something that could cause illness. Most likely, this command will be used in your home to keep your dog’s curiosity in check. Use ‘leave it’ anytime you want your dog to step away from and keep his nose from something. From items which are not toys to foods you will not want your dog to eat, ’leave it’ is an essential command. Teach your dog to leave other animals alone on walks as well as the sleeping baby in your house with the ‘leave it’ command.

Training the 'leave it' command is a bit more advanced than basic obedience commands, but if your dog knows the basic commands, this one won’t be difficult. Be sure he knows all the basics before working on ‘leave it.’ You may require your dog to sit on command if he is on a walk and you need to use ‘leave it.’ You can teach a dog at any age to leave it. This command is important because your dog will be curious and depend on you to tell him what is acceptable to eat, sniff, and play with and what is not acceptable. Be ready for some short repetitive training sessions to teach ‘leave it.’ And have your dog in different situations as he learns the command so he knows this is used for many scenarios. 

To train ‘leave it,’ you’ll need treats, time, and patience. Plan short sessions to keep your dog’s interest. You may want to include items you don’t want your dog to have once he has learned the command. Practice ‘leave it’ once your dog understands basic commands.